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24 stunning beaches within driving distance of Orlando

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 11:00 pm

Sure, Orlando's theme parks are cool, but let's face it: The real reason we all live in Florida is to be close to our own tropical paradise. When you live on a peninsula, you're surrounded by sandy shores, but all beaches are not created equal. Here are the best beaches you'll find in the Sunshine State that are only a gas tank away Orlando.

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Caladesi Island State Park

2 hours, 15 minutes away
For beachgoers who like their privacy, you can’t get more remote than Caladesi: This beach can only be reached by boat or ferry.

Photo via mostlysunnyphoto/Instagram

Atlantic Beach

2 hours, 30 minutes away
This Jacksonville staple is a cozy center of small-town charm nestled up next to the big city. Enjoy a day on the water and then head into the city to start showing off that sweet new tan.

Photo via jowellloyola/Instagram

Anna Maria Island

2 hours, 20 minutes away
This 7-mile barrier island in between Florida and the Gulf of Mexico offers pristine white beaches along undeveloped shores, which means you won’t have to worry about annoying hotel guests spreading their cheap plastic beach toys in your sand space.

Photo via lilyatravels/Instagram